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All Services

Medication Reviews

Overview

All pharmacists at The Pharmacy Network offer Medicine Reviews to help you better understand your medications and ensure they are safe and effective.

Medicine reviews support people who take multiple medicines, have had recent changes to their treatment, or want help understanding their medications more clearly.

This service is available in-store at each of our 3 pharmacies: The Pharmacy on Bunda, The Pharmacy on Northbourne, and The Pharmacy on Franklin. We also offer at-home, more in-depth medicine reviews.

Set aside at least 15 minutes of your time for in-pharmacy medicine reviews, and 1 hour for at-home medicine reviews, to allow sufficient time for discussion.

 

Requirements

No booking is required for our in-store medicine reviews, however a booking IS required for at-home medicine reviews.

No referral is needed for in-pharmacy medicine reviews, however a GP referral is required for an at-home medicine review.

 

Service Restrictions

This service can only be provided face-to-face. The person whose medicines are being reviewed must be present.

 

What Is a Medicine Review?

A medicine review is a structured consultation with our pharmacist to review all of your medicines, including prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, and supplements.

The aim is to provide education and clarification around your medicines as well as identify issues such as side effects, interactions, duplication, missed doses, or medicines that may no longer be appropriate.

There are two main types:

  • MedsCheck – a pharmacist-led medication review conducted in a private consult room in the pharmacy
  • Home Medicines Review (HMR) – a more detailed medication review with our pharmacist conducted in your home following referral from your GP

 

How Our Pharmacists Can Help

During a medicine review at The Pharmacy Network, our pharmacists will:

  • Review how and when you take your medicines
  • Check for potential interactions and side effects
  • Identify medicine-related problems
  • Help simplify medication routines where possible
  • Explain what each medicine is for and how it works
  • Provide practical advice to improve adherence
  • Answer any questions and discuss any concerns you may have
  • Communicate with your GP where follow-up is recommended
  • Provide you with a copy of any documentation generated from the consult

At The Pharmacy Network, our pharmacists work alongside you during medicine reviews, ensuring your concerns are heard and represented. We work with you to find solutions to any issues you have brought up, communicating with your GP and supporting shared decisions about your ongoing treatment.

 

Who Is This Service Suitable For?

A pharmacist medication review may be especially helpful if you:

  • Take multiple prescription medicines
  • Have recently been discharged from hospital
  • See more than one doctor
  • Have chronic health conditions
  • Are experiencing side effects
  • Feel confused about your medications

Medicine reviews are commonly recommended for older adults, people living with chronic illness, and anyone seeking information and/or reassurance about their treatment.

 

What to Expect at The Pharmacy Network

Medicine reviews are conducted in a private and confidential setting, consistent with the Pharmacy Board of Australia Code of Conduct. MedsChecks are completed in a private consult room in our pharmacies, while Home Medicines Reviews require GP referral and occur in your home.

While we take walk-in for medicine reviews conducted in the pharmacy, appointments are necessary for at-home medicine reviews.

Set aside at least 15 minutes of your time for in-pharmacy medicine reviews, and 1 hour for at-home medicine reviews, to allow sufficient time for discussion.

At The Pharmacy Network, our pharmacists ensure their medicine reviews are clear, respectful, and easy to understand.

 

When Referral or Follow-Up Is Needed

Pharmacists cannot independently change your medications. Where concerns are identified, with your consent we will make recommendations to your GP in line with guidelines from The Therapeutic Guidelines and Australian Medicines Handbook.

 

A Simple, Local Option

If you have any concerns about, or need help understanding, your medicines, our pharmacists at The Pharmacy Network are here to help.

Visit The Pharmacy on Bunda, The Pharmacy on Northbourne, or The Pharmacy on Franklin, or speak to our team to find out whether a MedsCheck or Home Medicines Review is right for you.

 

References

Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) – Professional Practice Standards
 https://www.psa.org.au/practice-guidance/professional-practice-standards/

Pharmacy Board of Australia – Code of Conduct
 https://www.pharmacyboard.gov.au/Codes-Guidelines.aspx

Australian Government Department of Health – Medication Management and Review Services
 https://www.health.gov.au

Australian Medicines Handbook (AMH) – Evidence-based Guidance on the Safe and Effective Use of Medicines
 https://amh.net.au

Therapeutic Guidelines (eTG) – National Clinical Guidelines Supporting Diagnosis and Treatment Decisions
 https://www.tg.org.au

Find a pharmacy Need this service? Find your nearest pharmacy. Our pharmacists are happy to help — contact your nearest location.